Life-changing: Etsy

Note:  ...... please know before you start judging me as someone shallow and materialistic; I realize that most people reserve the words "life-changing" for some deep or monumental spiritual event of which, ofcourse, I have some of my own.  HOWEVER, as this is intended to be light-hearted and fun; we'll save the "heavy-lifting", emotional stuff for later.

Life-changing entry #1:  Etsy.  If you've been reading all 1 1/2 weeks of this blog, you've probably already realized how much I adore this site and visit it often.  Here are the reasons why:

1. It's just good stuff!  These folks (well, 95% of them) take their art; whatever it may be; seriously and it shows with great quality from start to finish in their photos, actual products, and packaging. 
2. It's easy.  It's like going to the best antique or craft show, thrift shop or swap meet in one place.... and it's worldwide!  Ofcourse,  I realize a lot of folks, including me, like the "hunt" every once in a while; but heaven knows I don't have the luxury of time to do it very often.  Here, I can type something in "search" and get hundreds of results.  
3. It's less expensive.  Because most of these folks are just crafters in their own homes; there is no middle man mark-up and yet, so many of the products are customizable!
4. It's life-changing.  Because I am able to give more thoughtful gifts which builds stronger relationships;  I save a lot of time which I can then spend with my family;  and I feel great about buying from the "little guy" honing his or her craft and pursuing his/her passion....  I've gone this far, I might as well bring it home! :)

.... and no, I don't own stock or sell anything on Etsy (although I'd like to!). :)  Here are just a few of my favorites today:

self inking custom rubber stamp

home sweet home pillow

The English Major open edition print

Handmade monogrammed vase